BOXING: Mayweather and Pacquiao top of world’s highest-paid athletes list

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are at the top of an annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes after their fight in Las Vegas earlier this month.

The much-anticipated welterweight title showdown between the pair is reported to have generated more than £322 million, with victor Mayweather taking half the pot.

Mayweather won the bout in a unanimous decision, confirming his place as one of boxing’s greats with a 48-0 record in his career.

Pacquiao is reported to have received just under £100 million, leaving the duo well clear of football’s top earners.

Barcelona’s forward Lionel Messi is second on the list ESPN The Magazine’s annual list of the highest-paid pro athletes at £36 million.

He came out ahead of Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo at £32 million.

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel at £32 million completes the top five.